From conflict to collaboration with Stewart Levine

Mind Body Health & Politics

Dear Friends,

In a world rife with division, how can we turn conflict into collaboration?

Lawyer-turned-“resolutionary” Stewart Levine has spent over 35 years mastering the art of transforming breakdowns into breakthroughs. From feuding business partners to disgruntled employees to divorcing couples, he's been in the trenches of impossible situations - and emerged with relationships intact and millions of dollars saved.

Now, he's distilled his hard-won wisdom into practical tools anyone can use to resolve and prevent conflict. As the author of the international bestseller Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration and the founder of Resolution Works, Stewart is on a mission to make the world a more collaborative place.

In my latest interview, Stewart and I explore:

* The hidden costs of unresolved conflict and the power of "resolutionary thinking"

* Why the legal system often impedes real communication and problem-solving

* The key principles and skills for authentic, empathetic dialogue

* How to craft agreements that foster alignment, trust and shared vision

* Improving your most important personal and professional relationships

"Conflict lives inside of us as an emotional presence," Stewart told me. "You can't give that to somebody else to resolve. It's something you need to dig into to purge yourself of."

In a polarized age, Stewart's message couldn't be more timely.

"We as human beings are seeking connection," he said. "We want connection. We don't quite know how to do it. But in many ways, it's built into our biology."

The problem, he believes, is our adversarial "win-lose" paradigm. "If you get yours, then I'm not going to get mine. And I think that's a great fallacy." Instead, he advocates for an abundance mindset focused on giving people what they need.

So how do we get to that magical place called win-win? It starts with resolutionary thinking:

"Honoring feelings when we're in a disagreement with other people. Giving people the opportunity to tell their story from beginning to end... Recognizing that the other person was probably trying to do the best they possibly could, just like we were. So giving the opportunity for our compassion, empathy to arise."

While the tools are simple, the impact can be profound. "I like to look around and see that I don't have any ongoing conflicts in my life," Stewart reflected. "I pride myself on good relationships, positive relationships over time."

This week, I'm inviting my listeners to examine a conflict in your own life. What would it look like to approach it with resolutionary thinking? Share your reflections in the comments on YouTube.

Golden light,

Dr. Richard Louis Miller

Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Show Notes

Stewart’s Website

Books:

* Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration

* The Book of Agreement: 10 Essential Elements for Getting the Results You Want

* Collaboration 2.0

News & Notes: The Endocannabinoid System and Physical Exercise

New research sheds light on how sustained physical exercise activates the body's endocannabinoid system, triggering a phenomenon known as a "runner's high" that can reduce pain, induce mild sedation, increase euphoria, and have anxiolytic effects. Endocannabinoids, which are like the body's own cannabis, are now understood to be the primary driver behind these exercise-induced psychophysical effects, more so than endorphins as previously thought.

A review by Matei et al. summarizes evidence that the anxiolytic and euphoric aspects of the runner's high depend on activation of specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain and periphery, not opioid signaling from endorphins. While endorphins are also released during exercise, the authors argue they cannot sufficiently cross the blood-brain barrier to alter mood and pain perception the way endocannabinoids can.

As the famous surrealist Salvador Dali once quipped, "I don't need drugs. I am drugs" - a fitting sentiment for the natural high induced by the body's own cannabinoid-like molecules during physical activity.

Dealing with Depression: The Importance of Movement

Let’s talk about depression. Depression can be exhausting. Unlike some other illnesses, depression can tire you out, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks and deal with the condition itself. In severe cases, known as clinical depression, individuals may struggle to even get out of bed for weeks at a time.

The key to managing depression is finding ways to get yourself moving. Movement is crucial in combating the symptoms of depression. The more you move, the better. However, when you're exhausted, it can be challenging to find the motivation to take action.

To overcome this hurdle, consider:

* Asking a friend or family member to visit and encourage you

* Reaching out to a support group or call service

* Finding an organization that can help you get moving

Remember, your life depends on taking action against depression. If left unchecked, depression can make everything seem gray and hopeless, even on a sunny day.

If you're struggling with depression, take a moment to reflect on the options available to you. Consider how you can incorporate more movement into your daily life, no matter how small the steps may seem.

My Books:

* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out

* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances

* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca

* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)

Explore the questions at the heart of the Psychedelic Renaissance

My daughter, Evacheska, Founder of Temple Sotto Luce, is speaking at the Plant Spirit Summit, a free, open-access conference taking place from June 23 - 29, 2024. She will be joining me and over 80 other experts and community leaders in a series of bold conversations and live panels as we answer these burning questions, and explore many more crucial issues at the heart of the Psychedelic Renaissance.

Evacheska will be talking about Integrating Spiritual Experiences from Plant Medicine Ceremonies into Everyday Life.

And if you join the conference, you'll get access to hearing from Western and Indigenous leaders on some of the complexities, nuances, and challenges arising from the mainstreaming of ancestral plant medicines, as well as gain access to short films and documentaries exploring indigenous culture and plant medicines - at no charge.

Join us for this collective conversation and co-create a fair and equitable Psychedelic Renaissance which honors ancestral wisdom

Click here to Register for The Plant Spirit Summit on June 23-29, 2024.

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